Related Stories

The B.C. government is permitting beer, spirits and wine to be sold in local grocery stores through separate cashiers by 2015.

B.C. Justice Minister Suzanne Anton says expanded liquor sales will also be allowed in other places.

"These include things like liquor sales at farmers markets and that will be for local wines, happy hours and also the removal of beer garden fencing from summer festivals. In other words, consider larger site licences at the music festivals and street festivals we enjoy in British Columbia during the summer," she says.

Anton says government will continue to restrict the total number of retail outlets selling liquor and will require that grocery products and liquor be separated in order to prevent illegal sale to minors.

Under the new policy, liquor stores will be able to relocate their operations to grocery stores, or provide a connecting entrance from an adjacent location.

The government says it is also developing policy to standardize the type of non-liquor products that can be sold in retail outlets selling liquor.

As part of this work, it will be developing a new wholesale pricing model to provide consistent pricing to all liquor retailers.

Anton says the entire Liquor Control and Licensing Act is being rewritten and the changes will be phased in.